Pubdate: Sun, 09 Dec 2012
Source: Reporter, The (Vacaville, CA)
Copyright: 2012 The Reporter
Contact:  http://www.thereporter.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/472
Author: Robert Sharpe
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v12/n625/a05.html

U.S. WAR ON DRUGS IS FAILED POLICY

I think it's entirely appropriate that Humboldt State University has 
developed an institute devoted to marijuana research (Editorial, 
"Marijuana research welcome," Dec. 4). Federal agencies such as the 
U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration have zero credibility.

Ignorance is a prerequisite for employment.

The emphasis on "drug-free" backgrounds ensures that those least 
knowledgeable about the effects and use of illegal drugs are charged 
with enforcing federal laws against them. This is no accident. Anyone 
who has actually smoked pot knows marijuana is not nearly as 
dangerous (or exciting) as federal government propaganda suggests.

The voters of Colorado and Washington state have made it clear the 
federal government can no longer get away with confusing the drug 
war's collateral damage with a plant. If the goal of marijuana 
prohibition is to subsidize drug cartels, prohibition is a success. 
The drug war distorts supply-and-demand dynamics so that big money 
grows on little trees.

If the goal is to deter use, prohibition is a failure. The United 
States has double the rate of marijuana use as the Netherlands, where 
marijuana is legal.

The war on marijuana consumers is a failed cultural inquisition, not 
an evidence-based public health campaign.

Robert Sharpe, policy analyst

Common Sense for Drug Policy

Washington, D.C.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom